7 reasons to upgrade your Android in 2024

Ready for a mobile upgrade? We show you why you might want to opt for an Android with Vodafone for your next phone.

With 2024 well underway, it's time to make the right call on your next phone. We take a look at some of the reasons Android can be a great option.

1. Exclusive new features, powered by Google AI

Android is always pushing to provide users with greater productivity, better personalisation, more seamless connections, additional accessibility and improved security.

Circle to Search with Google is a new feature available on the Pixel 8 and Samsung S24 series that allows you to easily search what you see, without switching apps¹.

You're able to make a simple gesture — such as scribbling, tapping, circling or highlighting — with your fingers. Then Google will launch its search function, allowing you to identify specific products, or to get more information about a particular topic.

For example, you might see an item you like while you're watching YouTube Shorts. Simply long press the home button or navigation bar on your Android phone to activate Circle to Search. Then just circle the item to quickly find similar items on Google. There's no more need to jump back and forth between apps.

Available on select Pixel phones, Magic Editor also allows you to easily retouch and enhance pictures as you see fit². From basic features like adjusting blur to advanced AI to fill in the blanks and give pics the look you want, it's a great way to take your photography to the next level.

More features are set to be introduced in the near future, too.

2. More customisation, control and accessibility with Android 14

Android 14 is packed with OS features that help you customise your device experience, give you more control over your health and safety, and help improve accessibility³.

One of the big features Android 14 offers is better photo quality, via Ultra HDR⁴. It's an image format that allows you to bring out the inner beauty in your photos, via its ability to offer brighter lights, darker darks and more saturated colours overall. With this access to a wider range of tones, you'll be able to better capture the world around you, the way you want to see it.

Visit Android's website to see what else is possible with Android 14.

3. More seamless connections

Android phones are designed to fit into a wider ecosystem of devices — tablets, smart watches, smart homes, smart cars and more. But did you know there are some other hacks you might have been missing?

Quick Share is a new feature that allows you to easily send and receive photos, documents, files and more to yourself or others in the nearby vicinity⁵. It's a great way to encourage collaboration in the workplace or to easily share event pics with friends.

Android's Fast Pair also allows you to easily hook up to a nearby speaker. sound system, headphones or other audio devices, via Bluetooth⁶. So you'll always be able to find a way to listen!

4. Non-stop mobile protection

In a world where we often carry our lives on our phones, it's essential to have the right security in place.

Android works non-stop to help keep you and your data protected via a number of privacy and security features that help keep you safe.

Always-on spam detection helps you avoid spammers and scammers alike. Phone by Google warns you about suspicious callers before you pick up, while Messages by Google filters your inbox to prevent suspicious material ever landing in there⁷. In fact, around the world, it helps prevent over 1.5 billion spam messages each month!

Google Play Protect also provides protection against malware and dodgy apps. All apps are carefully analysed before they're made available for download. Daily scans also help disable any malware or harmful apps on your device.

You can also find out more about your device security options by visiting the Android Security Hub.

5. Something for everyone across premium hardware

There are always exciting new Android phones hitting the market, and 2024 is no exception. Whether you're looking for a camera with epic zoom capabilities, longer battery life to get you through the day or simply want to change up your style with a different-coloured device, Android has you covered.

Both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8 range offer high-quality photography, powerful processing and access to a huge range of apps via the Google Play store.

Here's a quick rundown of both the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Google Pixel 8's specs, side-by-side:

6. Opting for a network that gives you the service you need

There are a number of different considerations when you're picking a mobile network – device choice, pricing, data allowance, network availability to name a few.

Now with triple the 5G coverage since 2021, you can join Vodafone's fastest and most reliable network yet.

You can see an in-depth review of Vodafone's services on Finder.com.au.

7. Great offers from Vodafone

From now until withdrawn, you can save $350 on the new Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra when you stay connected to a selected plan over 24 or 36 months. Plus, you'll score a bonus set of Galaxy Buds FE valued at $199.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra includes access to Google's Circle to Search, along with a wide range of other features such as Nightography, faster processing power and access to a huge range of apps.

You can also view a range of Vodafone's plans right here on Finder.com.au.

Learn more about the latest Android offers on Vodafone's Android Hub

Learn more about Vodafone's plans and offers today

Compare other mobile plans here

• Extra info about Vodafone and Google

  ^{Product disclaimers}

  ^{1. Circle to Search: Compatible devices and internet connection required. Works on compatible apps and surfaces. Results may vary depending on visual matches.}

  ^{2. Magic Editor: This feature is available on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro only, and for users 18+. Requires Google Photos app. May not work on all image elements. Magic Eraser: Requires Google Photos app. Available only for Pixel users or Google One members. May not work on all images elements.}

  ^{3. Android 14: Subject to availability. Some features and availability vary by OEM and/or device manufacturer.}

  ^{4. Ultra HDR: Ultra HDR is more bright and vibrant, brighter compared to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) photos. HDR technology allows for greater range, colour definition and contrast definition compared to SDR technology.}

  ^{5. Quick Share: Quick Share is supported on Android GMS devices running Android 6.0 and up, Chromebooks running Chrome OS version 91+ and Windows is supported on computers running a 64-bit version of Windows 10+. ARM devices not supported.}

  ^{6. Fast Pair: Requires compatible Android devices running on Android 6+. Requires Fast Pair compatible accessory.}

  ^{7. Spam Detection: Requires Phone by Google, Messages by Google and Android 7.0+.}